Imagine a soccer team that simply ran next to their captain but didn’t actually play? They love soccer and go to all the practices but they don’t run with the ball…..and they reason: I’m not the captain…I don’t know as much as the captain…it’s the captain’s job…
Imagine a church that did the same….church members (all excited about church) but not running with the ball of ministry because…I’m not the minister…I don’t know as much as the minister…it’s the minister’s job…
But imagine a church that took seriously the priesthood of all believers! A church where every believer knew that they were created, called, gifted and needed for ministry! YOU are a minister!
The call to Christ is the call to serve. Try getting into S.H.A.P.E. for ministry (Saddleback Church):
Spiritual gifts: How has God gifted you?
Heart: What do you love to do?
Abilities: What natural abilities or talents were you born with?
Personality: How does your unique personality impact your ministry?
Experiences: How can your experiences, both good and bad, be used to help others?
Take a look at what Jesus said about serving in John 13. Notice His promise in verse 17: Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Go serve and be blessed! We love because He first loved us! 1 John 4:19
Hi
ReplyDeleteYour themes running through the past few Sunday services have been both enlightening and thought provoking - We often think of our talents and contributions as insignificant in the bigger scheme of things, but like a wind-up clock, even the smallest cog is of utmost importance for it to operate. So too as part of Christ's body, we all have a function and a contribution to make to achieve a common goal.
St Johns is extremely welcoming and provides a place for all to freely worship - God has really blessed my life when he led me to your church.
anonymous, thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeletewe would so love to encourage this forum to become a place where people respond to our sermons and interact with other thoughts.
we too, enjoy (and need) the interaction to sharpen and clarify our own thoughts on these things!
Dear Anonymous
ReplyDeleteSo true! I know that I REALLY appreciate those people who do the seemingly 'little' tasks in ministry like fetching, moving, carrying etc. The behind the scenes work is so important.
I tell the AV and sound desk people at 6pm service that they are incredibly important! If the congregation can't see the words, they can't sing! If the the sound is bad, it can ruin the service. No matter where one serves....you're needed and you have a vital ministry.
Thanks for your comment!